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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Sport
Samuel Meade

Cristiano Ronaldo's Man Utd future suffers further setback as Ralf Rangnick myth debunked

Manchester United's lack of goals is not down to a lack of coaching with the Red Devils creating more chances than any other side since Ralf Rangnick's arrival.

The German succeeded Ole Gunnar Solskjaer with his first match coming in a 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in December.

United have continued to pick up results as they eye a place in the top four and next season's Champions League.

However the team - and their interim boss - continue to cop criticism for their performances that, for some, are being masked by results.

Rangnick, though, isn't all to blame it seems. Since his appointment, United have created 160 chances - more than any other team.

The issue though lies in their conversion rate with just 20 goals being scored in the same time period, which only ranks as the fourth best in the Premier League.

Will Man Utd finish in the top four? Have your say in the comments!

Wasteful displays have cost United and their problems in front of goal are underlined by Cristiano Ronaldo's current struggles.

The 37-year-old has scored just once since the turn of the year with his strike against Brighton ending a six-game goalless run - his worst drought in over a decade.

That could have further ramifications for Ronaldo, who is already not convincing Rangnick long-term.

The German is believed to have doubts about the Portuguese star's suitability to lead the attack, with Ronaldo's style, such as his lack of work off the ball, drawing criticism.

Rangnick, even if he steps aside in the summer, will continue to be an influence at Old Trafford as he takes up a consultancy role.

That will no doubt factor in recruitment, which could lead to Ronaldo potentially leaving the club if they choose to go in a new direction, according to the Manchester Evening News.

The interim boss made no secret of the fact United needed new faces in the final third recently.

"This is obvious [that United need a striker]," said Rangnick.

"Edinson's contract is running out in the summer and the club needs the best possible centre-forward. I think everyone is aware of that."

United have been held to one goal or less in four of their last six games.

Cristiano Ronaldo and the club could cut ties within the next 18 months (Getty Images)

The most recent of which was last Saturday's scoreless draw against Watford at Old Trafford.

Rangnick's side were unable to breach the Hornets' defence despite their struggles at the back.

"Our job as coaches is to help the team to create enough chances," the interim manager told BBC Sport post-match.

"The number of clear chances we had today had to be enough to win a game like this."

He added: "We did everything apart from score. It's hard to take that result. In the end, if you miss that many chances it is difficult to win the game.

"We were in full control for almost the whole game, we didn't allow them hardly any counter attacks.

"We need to be sharper in front of goal, you can hardly create more chances than we did today. In the end it is a very frustrating afternoon.

"Had anyone told me that we would create that many clear chances I would have said 'yes, that is enough for us to score one of two goals at least'. But we didn't."

Not a single United player has reached double figures in the Premier League goal charts this term, with Ronaldo their leading scorer on nine.

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